Legal Services
Legal Services
Criminal Defense Unit
The Criminal Defense unit provides legal representation for individuals facing criminal charges, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Civil Legal Services
The Civil Legal Services department provides free legal support for housing, consumer rights, employment, and family law matters.
Attorneys for Children Unit
The Attorneys for Children unit offers free legal representation to minors in family court, protecting their rights and interests.
Appeals and Post-Conviction unit
The Appeals and Post-Conviction unit offers legal representation for appeals and challenges to criminal convictions, safeguarding clients' rights.
Capabilities
Reentry
We are proud to be affiliated with the Federal Re-entry Court based in the Western District, the University of Buffalo Law School Reentry Practicum, The Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, and the Erie County Reentry Task Force.
Post-Conviction Proceedings
Investigating and filing post-conviction motions | CPL § 440.10 (vacatur of conviction; wrongful convictions), CPL § 440.20 (vacatur of sentence), CPL § 440.30 (DNA claims), CPL § 440.47 (DVSJA) | Habeas corpus petitions | Clemency applications
Immigration
We lead the Coordinated Refugee/Asylee Legal Services Project, dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees.
Housing
The Housing and Tenant Rights Unit specializes in providing legal support to residents of Western New York, navigating issues ranging from unsafe living conditions and landlord-tenant disputes to eviction prevention and housing discrimination.
Holistic Representation Project
The Holistic Representation Project is an interdisciplinary, client-centered approach that goes beyond legal advocacy to address the underlying social, economic, and personal factors contributing to a client’s involvement in the criminal legal system.
Family
Navigating a family legal issue can be emotionally stressful. Our Family Law Section attorneys specialize in handling complex custody cases, which may involve substance abuse, allegations of domestic violence, special needs, mental health issues, or other high-conflict situations.
Estate Planning
Preserving and passing on generational wealth is not only the American Dream, but also a necessity to building stable communities.
Employment
Offers free legal support and advocacy to workers facing issues such as wrongful termination, wage disputes, and workplace discrimination, ensuring their rights are upheld and they receive fair treatment.
Education
The Educational Advocacy Unit focuses on ensuring that our clients, particularly children and youth involved in legal proceedings, receive appropriate educational support and accommodations.
Defense for the Accused and Incarcerated
The attorneys of the Criminal Defense Unit at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo are committed to providing top-tier legal representation to every client assigned to our office, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Consumer
Free legal assistance and representation to individuals facing consumer-related issues, such as debt collection, credit reporting errors, and fraudulent practices, helping to protect their rights and achieve fair resolutions.
Attorneys for Children
The Attorneys for Children Unit provides legal representation to children and youth in family court, protecting their rights and ensuring them a voice in matters that affect their daily lives.
Appeals
Appeals to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department | Court of Appeals Litigation | United States Supreme Court litigation